Interconnectable utensil holders

ABSTRACT

A modular utensil holder is operable to hold a utensil and includes a case, a utensil-retaining assembly, and a removable case connector. The case includes wall structure that presents an elongated utensil-receiving opening. The utensil-retaining assembly is confined by the wall structure within the utensil-receiving opening to engage the utensil when the utensil is received in the opening. The case connector is fixed relative to the wall structure, with the case connectors of adjacent utensil holders being removably connectable so as to releasably secure the adjacent utensil holders to one another.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Chinese Patent Application No. 201510346557.5, filed Jun. 19, 2015, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present invention relates generally to containers used to receive hand-held utensils, such as tools, knives, etc. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention concern a utensil holder that is operable to be connected to other utensil holders.

2. Discussion of Prior Art

Blocks and containers have long been used to conveniently hold various kitchen utensils, such as knives, spoons, spatulas, forks, and scissors, on top of a countertop surface. Conventional containers have various shapes and sizes to accommodate different combinations of utensils. For instance, many containers commonly present a single opening to receive one or more utensils. However, single opening containers are typically deficient because such containers do not hold utensils securely and are known to become cluttered and messy when holding multiple utensils. Yet further, single opening containers provide limited storage space.

Some prior art containers define multiple fixed openings to receive utensils, where the openings are not reconfigurable by the user. These containers are known to more securely support utensils (compared to single opening containers) while keeping the utensils organized. However, these containers are also deficient because they greatly limit the available storage space compared to single opening containers. Furthermore, the storage space is not adjustable to accommodate various sizes and/or numbers of utensils.

Other known containers include adjustable inserts that can be adjusted by a user to customize the available storage space. Such containers also typically provide greater support to utensils and keep utensils better organized when compared to single opening containers. However, these containers have inserts that also greatly limit the available storage space.

SUMMARY

The following brief summary is provided to indicate the nature of the subject matter disclosed herein. While certain aspects of the present invention are described below, the summary is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a utensil holder that does not suffer from the problems and limitations of the prior art containers, including those problems and limitations set forth above.

A first aspect of the present invention concerns a modular utensil holder set comprising a plurality of utensil holders, each being operable to hold a utensil. Each utensil holder broadly includes a case, a utensil-retaining assembly, and a removable case connector. The case includes wall structure that presents an elongated utensil-receiving opening. The utensil-retaining assembly is confined by the wall structure within the utensil-receiving opening to engage the utensil when the utensil is received in the opening. The removable case connector is fixed relative to the wall structure, with the case connectors of adjacent utensil holders being removably connectable so as to releasably secure the adjacent utensil holders to one another.

A second aspect of the present invention concerns a modular utensil holder operable to hold a utensil and be removably connected to one or more other modular utensil holders. The modular utensil holder broadly includes a case, a utensil-retaining assembly, and a plurality of case connectors. The case includes wall structure that presents an elongated utensil-receiving opening. The utensil-retaining assembly is confined by the wall structure within the utensil-receiving opening to engage the utensil when the utensil is received in the opening. The case connectors are fixed relative to the wall structure and are configured to removably connect with the case connector of another modular utensil holder and thereby releasably secure the utensil holders to one another. The connectors include a projection and a complemental groove, with the groove being configured to receive the projection of another modular utensil holder when the utensil holders are releasably secured to one another.

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary upper perspective of a utensil holder assembly constructed in accordance with a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the assembly including three slidably interconnected utensil holders that each include a case, a rod assembly, groove connectors, and rail connectors, with the rod assembly of a first one of the utensil holders being removed;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary upper perspective of the utensil holder assembly shown in FIG. 1, with the rod assembly of a second one of the utensil holders being removed;

FIG. 3 is a lower perspective of the utensil holder assembly shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the utensil holder assembly shown in FIGS. 1-3, showing the rod assembly of the first utensil holder being removed;

FIG. 4A is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the utensil holder assembly shown in FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 5 is a cross section of the utensil holder assembly taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an upper perspective of the utensil holder assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5, with the utensil holders being interconnected with one another in a second configuration;

FIG. 7 is an upper perspective of the utensil holder assembly shown in FIGS. 1-6, with the utensil holders being interconnected with one another in a third configuration;

FIG. 8 is a perspective of a utensil holder assembly constructed in accordance with a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the holder assembly including four (4) interconnected utensil holders;

FIG. 9 is a perspective of a utensil holder assembly constructed in accordance with a third preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the holder assembly including five (5) interconnected utensil holders;

FIG. 10 is a perspective of a utensil holder assembly constructed in accordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the holder assembly including six (6) interconnected utensil holders;

FIG. 11 is a perspective of a utensil holder assembly constructed in accordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention, with the holder assembly including seven (7) interconnected utensil holders;

FIG. 12 is a top view of a utensil holder assembly constructed in accordance with a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention, with each of the holders including grooves and rail projections with concave faces; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged fragmentary top view of the utensil holder assembly shown in FIG. 12, showing a groove and rail projection in sliding engagement with each other, with the concave faces of the groove and the rail projection cooperatively defining a relief space.

The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the preferred embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, modular utensil holders 20 a,b,c are constructed to each removably receive one or more tools or utensils, such as the illustrated knives K1,K2, spatulas T1,T2, spoon S, and fork F. However, it will be appreciated that each holder 20 could be used to removably receive various other hand-held items.

As will be discussed in greater detail, the holders 20 are preferably also used in combination with one another by removably interconnecting the holders 20 to form a utensil holder assembly or set 22. However, each of the holders 20 could be used individually or as part of an alternative assembly (as will be described). The holders 20 each preferably include a case 24, a utensil-retaining rod assembly 26, and case connectors preferably including a groove connector 28 and a rail connector 30. The illustrated holders 20 b,c include similar cases 24, rod assemblies 26, and connectors 28,30. The holder 20 a has a case 24, rod assembly 26, and connectors 28,30 that are longer than the corresponding components of holders 20 b,c. However, the holder 20 a is otherwise the same as holders 20 b,c (for instance, the wall structures of holders 20 have cross-sections that are substantially similar in size and shape).

Turning to FIGS. 2-5, the illustrated case 24 preferably comprises an elongated unitary housing structure that contains the rod assembly 26 and presents top and bottom ends 24 a,b of the utensil holder 20 (see FIG. 2). The case 24 preferably includes a floor 32 and an upright wall structure 34 that projects upwardly from the floor 32 to present a top edge 36. The case 24 also presents an opposite bottom edge 38. The upright wall structure 34 presents a utensil-receiving opening 40 that extends longitudinally in a generally vertical direction. The opening 40 extends generally from the top edge 36 to the floor 32. The floor 32 also presents a central hole 41 that fluidly communicates with the opening 40.

The wall structure 34 preferably includes a plurality of wall sections 42 a,b that are integrally formed with one another (see FIG. 2). In the illustrated embodiment, the wall structure 34 preferably includes six (6) wall sections 42 formed so that the wall structure 34 has an equilateral hexagonal cross-sectional shape. However, it will be appreciated that the wall structure 34 could have an alternative equilateral polygonal shape (such as a triangle, square, or octagon) with a plurality of wall sections 42. Further, the wall structure 34 could have an alternative polygonal cross-sectional shape with sides of different sizes (e.g., a rectangle or trapezoid). The wall structure 34 could also have a cross-sectional shape other than a polygon, such as a circle, oval, etc. As will be discussed, the utensil holder 20 preferably includes case connectors 28,30 fixed relative to the wall structure 34 to permit releasable securement of adjacent utensil holders 20 to one another.

The rod assembly 26 cooperates with the case 24 to hold one or more utensils within the opening 40. In particular, the rod assembly 26 is preferably confined by the wall structure 34 of the case 24 within the opening 40 to engage one or more utensils when the one or more utensils are received in the opening 40. The rod assembly 26 preferably includes a common base 44 and a plurality of elongated, flexible rods 46 (see FIG. 5). The illustrated base 44 preferably conforms to the cross-sectional shape of the utensil-receiving opening 40. In this respect, the base 44 has a hexagonal cross-sectional shape in the illustrated embodiment.

All of the illustrated rods 46 are preferably fixed to the common base 44. The illustrated rods 46 are otherwise detached from one another and each rod 46 is therefore capable of movement relative to the other rods (including bending along its respective axis). The rods 46 project upwardly from the common base 44 to present generally flat upper ends 48 (see FIG. 5), with the rods 46 all have substantially the same rod length.

Each of the illustrated rods 46 is generally cylindrical in shape, with a circular cross-sectional profile. Because of the shape of the rods 46, the rods 46 cooperatively form small elongated gaps therebetween. While each rod 46 preferably has a circular cross-sectional shape, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to rods 46 having other cross-sectional shapes (e.g., triangular, rectangular, etc.). The construction of the rods 46 may take other alternative forms. For instance, the principles of the present invention are applicable where the rods 46 present different rod lengths.

In the illustrated embodiment, the upper ends 48 of the rods 46 cooperatively define a substantially flat utensil entry face 50 (see FIG. 5). Preferably, the entry face 50 is spaced below the top edge 36 of the case 24. That is, the wall structure 34 projects upwardly beyond the upper ends 48 of the rods 46, with the utensil-receiving opening 40 consequently extending beyond the rod assembly 26. In this configuration, utensils are generally inserted so as to be supported by the rod assembly 26. However, as illustrated by utensil holder 20 b, utensils can be inserted into the opening 40 without being supported by the rod assembly 26 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). It is also within the ambit of the present invention where the entry face 50 is alternatively positioned relative to the top edge 36 (e.g., where the entry face 50 is substantially flush with or above the top edge 36).

The entry face 50 and the top edge 36 are preferably parallel to the floor 32, although the edge 36 and/or the face 50 may be disposed along a plane that is oblique relative to the floor 32. Yet further, the entry face 50 could have a nonplanar shape (e.g., where the entry face 50 includes concave and/or convex portions).

The wall structure 34 and the rods 46 preferably cooperate so that the rods 46 are confined within the opening 40 while the wall structure 34 permits limited movement of the rods 46. Particularly, the rods 46 are displaceable when the knives K1,K2 are inserted into corresponding openings 40 but support and retain the knives K1,K2 in the illustrated orientation. It may consequently be said that the rods 46 are loosely held within the openings 40 yet are sufficiently packed therein to provide support to the utensils.

The rod assembly 26 is preferably removably received in the case 24. Specifically, the rod assembly 26 is slidably positioned within the opening 40 and can be selectively removed by sliding the rod assembly 26 out of the case 24. Even with the rod assembly 26 removed from the utensil holder 20, the utensil holder 20 can still be used to receive one or more items within the opening 40, as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The rods 46 are preferably formed of a synthetic resin material, such as polyvinyl chloride, although other suitable materials may be used. The preferred base 44 is formed cooperatively by the lower ends of the rods 46 and a synthetic resin filler 52 interspersed among the rods 46, with the rods 46 and filler 52 being bonded to one another (see FIG. 5). One suitable arrangement involves rods 46 formed of polyvinyl chloride (e.g., 0.1875 inch PVC welding rods) and filler 52 comprising cold-poured acrylic. With respect to this arrangement, forming of the base 44 may involve placing the lower ends of the rods 46 into a suitable press mold that is manipulated into the desired shape and size of the base 44, and then pouring the acrylic filler into the mold. In any case, the preferred base 44 will consequently become a solid mass that serves to interconnect the rods 46 and thereby prevent relative lengthwise shifting of the rods 46. Thus, the illustrated utensil-retaining rod assembly 26 may be unitarily disassembled and reassembled with the case 24.

However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the rod assembly 26 does not include the base 44. For instance, the rod assembly 26 could be constructed so that the rods 46 are alternatively retained with one another. Preferred features of a rod assembly used in other utensil holder embodiments are disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,082,559, issued Jul. 4, 2000, entitled KNIFE HOLDER, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

Again, for some aspects of the present invention, the utensil holder 20 could be devoid of the rod assembly 26. It is also within the ambit of the present invention where a structure other than the rod assembly 26 is inserted in the opening 40 (or positioned above the opening 40) to securely hold one or more utensils within the opening 40. For instance, one alternative utensil-retaining assembly suitable for use in the illustrated case 24 includes a plurality of V-shaped web members positioned in series with one another, with adjacent pairs of web members forming openings therebetween to receive utensils. Additional preferred features of this utensil-retaining assembly are disclosed in co-owned U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,403, issued Aug. 27, 2002, entitled KNIFE HOLDER, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

Turning to FIGS. 2-5, the case connectors preferably include groove connectors 28 and rail connectors 30 that are removably attachable to case connectors of other utensil holders 20. As will be discussed, the case connectors are configured so that the utensil holder 20 can be removably attached to one or more other utensil holders 20 in a variety of configurations.

Turning to FIGS. 4, 4A, and 5, each groove connector 28 preferably defines a longitudinally extending groove 54 that extends along the vertical direction from the top edge 36 to the bottom edge 38. As will be discussed, the groove 54 receives a rail projection 56 of the rail connector 30 of another utensil holder 20 when adjacent utensil holders 20 are releasably secured to one another. In particular, the groove 54 preferably presents a constricted throat 58 to restrict removal of the projection 56 from the groove 54 when adjacent utensil holders 20 are secured to one another (see FIG. 4A). As will be discussed, the throat 58 permits sliding engagement and disengagement of utensil holders 20 along a longitudinal axis A of the case 24 (see FIG. 4), with the axis A being aligned with the vertical direction.

The groove connector 28 preferably includes opposed interior ledges 60 that extend longitudinally and substantially parallel to one another (see FIG. 4A). The ledges 60 present outer ledge surfaces 62 that are preferably arranged to be coplanar with and thereby define the outer wall faces 64 of the corresponding wall section 42 a. The ledges 60 present interior shoulders 66 that generally converge in a radially outward direction toward one another to define the constricted throat 58. In the illustrated embodiment, the throat 58 defines an open face 68 of the groove connector 28. However, it will be appreciated that the throat 58 could be positioned radially inwardly of the open face 68.

The groove connector 28 also presents an interior groove face 70, with the shoulders 66 and groove face 70 cooperatively forming the groove 54. The groove 54 preferably presents the throat 58 to restrict removal of the rail connector 30 from a groove connector 28 when adjacent utensil holders 20 are secured to one another. The shoulders 66 cooperatively define a throat dimension Dt smaller than a maximum groove width dimension Dg (see FIG. 4).

While the illustrated groove shape is preferred and is continuous along the entire groove length, the groove 54 could have an alternative configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention. For instance, instead of the illustrated tapered cross-sectional shape, the groove 54 could have an alternative cross-sectional shape that restricts insertion and removal of the projection 56 relative to the groove 54 in a radial direction. For example, the groove 54 could include a groove portion that does not taper along a radial direction and is at least partly defined by parallel interior shoulders 66, with a throat 58 being defined by ledges adjacent the groove portion so that the throat 58 is spaced inwardly from at least one of the shoulders 66.

Although the throat 58 preferably extends continuously along its length from the top edge 36 to the bottom edge 38, the throat 58 could include a plurality of throat sections longitudinally spaced from one another (whether or not the groove 54 extends continuously from the top edge 36 to the bottom edge 38). For instance, each pair of adjacent throat sections could be separated by enlarged groove openings that permit corresponding projections of another utensil holder 20 to be selectively inserted and removed from the groove 54 along a radial direction. The adjacent pairs of throat sections could also be separated by solid sections (not shown) of the groove connector 28.

For some aspects of the present invention, the groove connector 28 could be devoid of a throat 58. For instance, the groove connector 28 could include one or more solid sections that each span the width of the groove 54 and cooperate with the groove 54 to removably receive and engage corresponding parts of the projection 56. However, it will also be appreciated that such a groove configuration could also have a throat 58 with a reduced width dimension relative to the rest of the groove 54.

Again, the groove 54 preferably extends along the vertical direction from the top edge 36 to the bottom edge 38. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the groove 54 extends in an alternative direction. For instance, the groove 54 could be positioned to extend transversely to the vertical direction (i.e., where the groove 54 is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the case 24).

Also, while the groove 54 extends continuously along its length between the top edge 36 and the bottom edge 38, the groove 54 could include multiple groove sections longitudinally spaced apart from one another. For instance, each pair of adjacent groove sections could be separated by a solid portion of the groove connector 28.

The cross-sectional shape of the illustrated groove 54 is preferably constant along the length thereof. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where a cross-sectional dimension (such as the width dimension and/or the height dimension) of the groove 54 tapers in a longitudinal direction (e.g., to permit tightening of the sliding interconnection between utensil holders 20).

Preferably, the groove connectors 28 are integrally formed as part of the wall structure 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the groove connectors 28 are preferably integrally molded with the wall structure 34 and the floor 32 so that the case 24 is unitary. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the groove connectors 28 are not integral to the case 24. For instance, the groove connectors 28 could be provided as part of a sleeve or insert (not shown) that is removably attached to the wall structure 34.

Referring again to FIGS. 4, 4A, and 5, each rail connector 30 preferably includes the continuous rail projection 56, with the projection 56 extending along the vertical direction from the top edge 36 to the bottom edge 38. The rail projection 56 preferably includes opposite exterior ledges 72 that extend longitudinally and substantially parallel to one another (see FIG. 4A). The projection 56 is preferably necked to present an enlarged distal end margin 74 and a relatively narrow proximal projection base 76 (see FIG. 4A).

The rail connector 30 presents outer connector surfaces 78 that are preferably arranged to be coplanar with the wall faces 64 of the corresponding wall sections 42 b. The ledges 72 present exterior shoulders 80 that generally converge in a radially inward direction toward the rail projection base 76. The rail projection 56 also presents an exterior rail face 82, with the exterior shoulders 80 and the rail face 82 cooperatively forming the rail projection 56. The ledges 72 cooperatively define a base dimension Db smaller than a maximum rail width dimension Dr.

While the illustrated projection shape is preferred and is continuous along the entire projection length, the projection 56 could have an alternative configuration without departing from the scope of the present invention. Instead of the illustrated tapered cross-sectional shape, the projection 56 could have an alternative cross-sectional shape that restricts insertion and removal of the projection 56 relative to the groove in a radial direction. For instance, the projection 56 could include a projection portion that does not taper along a radial direction and is at least partly defined by parallel exterior shoulders 80, with the projection base 76 being spaced inwardly from at least one of the exterior shoulders 80.

Although the projection base 76 preferably extends continuously from the top edge 36 to the bottom edge 38, the base 76 could include a plurality of base sections longitudinally spaced from one another (whether or not other parts of the projection 56 extend continuously from the top edge 36 to the bottom edge 38). For instance, each pair of adjacent base sections could be separated by a respective opening (not shown).

For some aspects of the present invention, the rail connector 30 could be devoid of a base 76 with a reduced width dimension. For instance, the rail connector 30 could include one or more fingers that are each cantilevered from the wall section 42 to be removably received and engaged by corresponding parts of the groove 54. However, it will also be appreciated that such a rail configuration could also have a base 76 with a reduced width dimension.

Again, the projection 56 preferably extends along the vertical direction from the top edge 36 to the bottom edge 38. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the projection 56 extends in an alternative direction. For instance, the projection 56 could be positioned to extend transversely to the vertical direction (i.e., where the projection 56 is transverse to the longitudinal axis of the case 24).

Also, while the projection 56 extends continuously between the top edge 36 and the bottom edge 38, the projection 56 could include multiple projection sections longitudinally spaced apart from one another. For instance, each pair of adjacent projection sections could be separated by an opening presented by the rail connector 30.

The cross-sectional shape of the illustrated projection 56 is preferably constant along the length thereof. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where a cross-sectional dimension (such as the width dimension and/or the height dimension) of the projection 56 tapers in a longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the rail connectors 30 are integrally formed as part of the wall structure 34. In the illustrated embodiment, the rail connectors 30 are preferably integrally molded with the wall structure 34 and the floor 32 so that the case 24 is unitary. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the rail connectors 30 are not integral to the case 24. For instance, the rail connectors 30 could be provided as part of a sleeve or insert that is removably attached to the wall structure 34.

Each of the illustrated utensil holders 20 preferably includes three (3) groove connectors 28 and three (3) rail connectors 30. However, it is within the scope of the present invention where the utensil holder 20 includes an alternative number of groove connectors 28 and/or rail connectors 30. For instance, the utensil holder 20 could include less than or more than three (3) groove connectors 28. Similarly, the utensil holder 20 could include less than or more than three (3) rail connectors 30. For some aspects of the present invention, the utensil holder 20 could include just one or more groove connectors 28 (and no rail connectors 30) or just one or more rail connectors 30 (and no groove connectors 28).

In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves 54 of each case 24 in the holder assembly 22 preferably have substantially the same cross-sectional shape. Similarly, the projections 56 of each case 24 in the holder assembly 22 preferably have substantially the same cross-sectional shape. As a result, each groove 54 is preferably configured to removably receive any one of the projections 56 of the other utensil holders 20. Similarly, each projection 56 is preferably configured to be removably inserted into any one of the grooves 54 of the other utensil holders 20. As will be described, this connector structure allows the holder assembly 22 to be arranged in one of several configurations. However, it is within the ambit of the present invention where the holder assembly 22 has multiple complementary pairs of groove and rail connectors 28,30 where at least two of the pairs have differently shaped grooves and projections.

The wall sections 42 a of the utensil holder 20 are preferably formed with the groove connectors 28, and the wall sections 42 b are formed with the rail connectors 30. Consequently, the connectors 28,30 are preferably presented in alternating order about the wall structure 34, with each of the wall sections 42 being associated with one of the connectors 28,30. However, it will be appreciated that at least one of the wall sections 42 could be formed with more than one rail connector 30 and/or more than one groove connector 28. It will also be understood that the connectors 28,30 could be arranged in a different order. For some aspects of the present invention, at least one of the wall sections 42 could be devoid of any connector 28,30. For instance, at least one of the wall sections 42 could include a continuous wall face 64 that spans the entire wall section 42.

The groove and rail connectors 28,30 are preferably configured so that a projection 56 of one utensil holder 20 can be slidably received within a groove 54 of another utensil holder 20 when the utensil holders 20 are secured to one another. Because the projection 56 and groove 54 extend along the vertical direction, the utensil holders 20 are shifted generally vertically relative to one another when connecting or disconnecting the groove and rail connectors 28,30.

To connect a pair of utensil holders 20 to one another, the utensil holders 20 are spaced apart in a roughly end-to-end orientation, with the top end 24 a of one utensil holder 20 being positioned adjacent the bottom end 24 b of the other utensil holder 20. The utensil holders 20 are also arranged so that one of the grooves 54 of one utensil holder 20 is slidably aligned with one of the projections 56 of the other utensil holder 20. With the groove 54 and projection 56 in sliding alignment, the utensil holders 20 are shifted relative to one another along the axis A so that the groove 54 and projection 56 are brought into sliding engagement with one another. When engaged with each other, the groove 54 and projection 56 restrict relative movement between the utensil holders 20 in a direction transverse to the axis A.

When slidably engaged with each other, the utensil holders 20 can be shifted relative to each other along the axis A. The interconnected utensil holders 20 can be placed on a support surface (not shown) by resting the bottom surfaces of the floors 32 on the support surface. As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the sliding engagement between utensil holders 20 permits the bottom surfaces of floors 32 to assume a substantially coplanar arrangement when the utensil holders 20 are supported on a flat surface (not shown). It will be appreciated that the interconnected utensil holders 20 could alternatively be supported by an undulating support surface, with the bottom surfaces of floors 32 assuming positions offset from one another along the axis A.

The sliding interconnection between the groove 54 and projection 56 allows the utensil holders 20 to be located in a plurality of positions relative to one another while the utensil holders 20 remain slidably interconnected. For instance, the utensil holders 20 b,c are depicted so that a groove 54 of the utensil holder 20 c and a projection 56 of the utensil holder 20 b are interconnected with each other along their entire lengths. However, the utensil holders 20 b,c could be shifted from the illustrated position so that the groove 54 of the utensil holder 20 c and the projection 56 of the utensil holder 20 b are connected along only along part of their lengths.

Similarly, the utensil holders 20 a,b are depicted so that a groove 54 of the utensil holder 20 b is connected along its entire length to a projection 56 of the utensil holder 20 a. Notably, because the case 24 of the utensil holder 20 a is longer than the case 24 of the utensil holder 20 b, the projection 56 of the utensil holder 20 a is connected along only part of its length to the groove 54 of the utensil holder 20 b. Therefore, the illustrated configuration is particularly useful in connecting different holders of different heights.

To disconnect the pair of utensil holders 20, the utensil holders 20 are shifted relative to one another along the axis A so that the groove 54 and projection 56 are brought out of sliding engagement with one another.

The holder assembly 22 is preferably configured so that interconnected utensil holders 20 are freely slidable relative to one another. However, the principles of the present invention are applicable where the holder assembly 22 includes a device to rigidly lock multiple interconnected utensil holders 20 in a desired position and restrict movement of the utensil holders 20 out of the position. For instance, the holder assembly 22 could include a locking bracket that removably engages the interconnected utensil holders 20. The holder assembly 22 could also include a spring-loaded detent mechanism to releasably lock the utensil holders 20 in the desired position.

As mentioned, the illustrated holder assembly 22 can be arranged in one of several configurations. In a first assembled configuration, the utensil holders 20 a,b,c are each slidably connected with one another (see FIGS. 1-4). To connect the utensil holders 20 to each other in the first configuration, it will be understood that the utensil holders 20 could be slidably connected together in different orders. For instance, the utensil holders 20 can be interconnected by first connecting the utensil holders 20 a,b to each other, and then connecting the utensil holder 20 c to utensil holders 20 a,b. Alternatively, utensil holders 20 b,c can first be interconnected to each other and then to the utensil holder 20 a. The utensil holders 20 a,b,c can also be interconnected with one another at the same time.

Similarly, the holder assembly 22 can be disassembled from the first configuration in several ways. For example, the utensil holders 20 can be disconnected from each other by first disconnecting the utensil holder 20 c from the utensil holders 20 a,b, and then disconnecting the utensil holders 20 a,b from each other. Similarly, the utensil holders 20 can be disconnected by first disconnecting the utensil holder 20 a from the utensil holders 20 b,c, and then disconnecting the utensil holders 20 b,c from each other. The utensil holders 20 a,b,c can also be disconnected from one another at the same time.

In a second assembled configuration, the utensil holders 20 b,c are connected to the utensil holder 20 a on opposite sides thereof, with the utensil holders 20 b,c being spaced apart (see FIG. 6). In a third assembled configuration, the utensil holders 20 a,c are connected to the utensil holder 20 b on opposite sides thereof, with the utensil holders 20 a,c being spaced apart (see FIG. 7). It will be appreciated that the holder assembly 22 can be arranged in additional configurations not shown herein.

In use, the utensil holders 20 can be selectively attached and detached from each another to provide an adjustable storage arrangement for utensils. Each utensil holder 20 is attached to another utensil holder 20 by initially spacing the utensil holders 20 end-to-end and aligning the groove 54 of one utensil holder 20 with one of the projections 56 of the other utensil holder 20. With the groove 54 and projection 56 in sliding alignment, the utensil holders 20 are shifted relative to one another along the axis A so that the groove 54 and projection 56 are brought into sliding engagement with one another.

Similarly, utensil holders 20 can be selectively detached from one another by shifting the utensil holders 20 relative to one another along the axis A so that the groove 54 and projection 56 are brought out of sliding engagement with one another.

The utensil holders 20 can be further adjusted by selectively inserting and removing the rod assemblies 26 from the openings 40.

Turning to FIGS. 8-13, alternative preferred embodiments of the present invention are depicted. For the sake of brevity, the remaining description will focus primarily on the differences of these alternative embodiments from the preferred embodiment described above.

Turning to FIG. 8, an alternative holder assembly 200 is constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 200 preferably includes a utensil holder 202 similar to utensil holder 20 a and three (3) utensil holders 204 a,b,c similar to utensil holders 20 b,c. The utensil holders 202,204 each include groove connectors 206 and rail connectors 208. Adjacent connectors 206,208 of the utensil holder 202 are slidably interconnected to corresponding connectors 206,208 of the utensil holders 204. The utensil holder 204 b is also slidably connected to both of the utensil holders 204 a,c.

Turning to FIG. 9, an alternative holder assembly 300 is constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 300 preferably includes two (2) utensil holders 302 a,b similar to utensil holder 20 a and three (3) utensil holders 304 a,b,c similar to utensil holders 20 b,c. The utensil holders 302,304 each include groove connectors 306 and rail connectors 308. Adjacent connectors 306,308 of the utensil holder 202 a are slidably interconnected to corresponding connectors 306,308 of the utensil holders 202 b,204 a,204 b. Adjacent connectors 306,308 of the utensil holder 202 b are slidably interconnected to corresponding connectors 306,308 of the utensil holders 202 a,204 b,204 c.

Turning to FIG. 10, an alternative holder assembly 400 is constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 400 preferably includes two (2) utensil holders 402 a,b similar to utensil holder 20 a and four (4) utensil holders 404 a,b,c,d similar to utensil holders 20 b,c. The utensil holders 402,404 are interconnected in series with one another and cooperatively form an endless loop.

Turning to FIG. 11, an alternative holder assembly 500 is constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 500 preferably includes two (2) utensil holders 502 a,b similar to utensil holder 20 a and five (5) utensil holders 404 a,b,c,d,e similar to utensil holders 20 b,c.

Turning to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative holder assembly 600 is constructed in accordance with a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 600 preferably includes two (2) utensil holders 602 a,b. Each holder 602 preferably includes a case 604, a rod assembly (not shown), alternative groove connectors 606, and alternative rail connectors 608. The cases 604, rod assemblies, groove connectors 606, and rail connectors 608 are preferably substantially the same for each holder 602, although these components may be varied in size and shape as previously described.

Each groove connector 606 preferably defines a longitudinally extending groove 610 that extends along the vertical direction. The groove 610 receives a rail projection 612 of the rail connector 608 of another utensil holder 602 when adjacent utensil holders 602 are releasably secured to one another. As with the previous embodiments, the groove 610 preferably presents a constricted throat 614 to restrict removal of the projection 612 from the groove 610 when adjacent utensil holders 602 are secured to one another.

The groove connector 606 preferably includes opposed interior ledges 616 that extend longitudinally and substantially parallel to one another (see FIG. 4A). The ledges 616 present outer ledge surfaces 618 and interior shoulders 620. The throat 614 defines an open face 622 of the groove connector 606. The groove connector 606 also presents an alternative interior groove face 624, with the shoulders 620 and groove face 624 cooperatively forming the groove 610. The interior groove face 624 preferably presents a concave cross-sectional shape that is continuous along the length of the groove 610.

Each rail connector 608 preferably includes the continuous rail projection 612. The rail projection 612 preferably includes opposite exterior ledges 626 that extend longitudinally and substantially parallel to one another. The projection 612 is preferably necked to present an enlarged distal end margin 628 and a relatively narrow proximal projection base 630.

The ledges 626 present exterior shoulders 632 that generally converge in a radially inward direction toward the rail projection base 630. The rail projection 612 also presents an alternative exterior rail face 634, with the exterior shoulders 632 and the rail face 634 cooperatively forming the rail projection 612. The exterior rail face 634 preferably presents a concave cross-sectional shape that is continuous along the length of the rail projection 612.

When one of the rail connectors 608 is slidably connected to one of the groove connectors 606, the corresponding groove face 624 and rail face 634 cooperatively define an elongated relief space 636. The relief space 636 reduces the risk of debris or imperfections between the faces 624,634 from interfering with the slidable interconnection of the connectors 606,608. The shape of each face 624,634 preferably defines a radius dimension R that ranges from about one inch (1″) to about five inches (5″) and, more preferably, is about two and one quarter inches (2.25″). However, the radius dimension R of at least one of the faces 624,634 could also fall outside of the above-referenced range.

While both of the faces 624,634 are preferably given a concave shape to provide the space 636, it is within the ambit of the present invention where only one of the faces 624,634 is concave (e.g., where one of the faces 624,634 is substantially planar or convex). Furthermore, the principles of the present invention are equally applicable to an alternatively shaped recess in one or both of the faces or to the faces having dissimilar recesses. For example, one or both of the faces 624,634 could include one or more concave, convex, and/or planar features that serve to provide one or more relief spaces that enable smooth sliding engagement between the connectors 606,608.

Although the above description presents features of preferred embodiments of the present invention, including features disclosed in the above-incorporated '559 and '403 patents, other preferred embodiments may also be created in keeping with the principles of the invention. Such other preferred embodiments may, for instance, be provided with features drawn from one or more of the embodiments described above. Yet further, such other preferred embodiments may include features from multiple embodiments described above, particularly where such features are compatible for use together despite having been presented independently as part of separate embodiments in the above description.

The preferred forms of the invention described above are to be used as illustration only, and should not be utilized in a limiting sense in interpreting the scope of the present invention. Obvious modifications to the exemplary embodiments, as hereinabove set forth, could be readily made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

The inventors hereby state their intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as pertains to any apparatus not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A modular utensil holder set comprising a plurality of utensil holders, each being operable to hold a utensil and comprising: a case including wall structure that presents an elongated utensil-receiving opening; a utensil-retaining assembly being confined by the wall structure within the utensil-receiving opening to engage the utensil when the utensil is received in the opening; and a removable case connector being fixed relative to the wall structure, with the case connectors of adjacent utensil holders being removably connectable so as to releasably secure the adjacent utensil holders to one another.
 2. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 1, said connector of a first one of the adjacent utensil holders comprising a projection, said connector of a second one of the adjacent utensil holders comprising a complemental groove configured to receive the projection of the first one of the adjacent utensil holders.
 3. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 2, said projection being necked to present an enlarged distal end margin, said groove presenting a constricted throat to restrict removal of the projection from the groove when the adjacent utensil holders are secured to one another.
 4. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 3, said projection being slidably received within the groove when the adjacent utensil holders are secured to one another.
 5. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 4, said wall structure being generally upright such that the utensil receiving opening extends in a generally vertical direction, said projection and groove extending along the vertical direction, such that the adjacent utensil holders are shifted generally vertically relative to one another when connecting or disconnecting the connectors.
 6. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 2, said projection being slidably received within the groove when the adjacent utensil holders are secured to one another, said projection and said groove presenting respective faces that oppose one another when the projection is slidably received within the groove, at least one of the faces presenting a concave cross-sectional shape, with the faces cooperatively defining an elongated relief space therebetween to permit smooth sliding engagement between the projection and the groove.
 7. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 2, said projection and groove being integrally formed as part of the respective wall structure.
 8. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 1, said wall structure having a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape so as to present a plurality of wall sections, each of said wall sections being associated with at least one of the connectors.
 9. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 8, said connectors including projections and complemental grooves, with each of the grooves being configured to receive a corresponding one of the projections when the adjacent utensil holders are releasably secured to one another.
 10. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 9, each said utensil holders presenting an odd number of wall sections, said connectors of each utensil holder being provided in an alternating arrangement such that each pair of adjacent wall segments are associated with one of the projections and one of the grooves.
 11. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 10, said wall structure of each utensil holder being equilateral, said utensil holders being at least substantially similar in cross-sectional size and shape.
 12. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 11, each of said utensil holders being releasably secured to at least two other utensil holders.
 13. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 1, said utensil holders being configured so that the utensil receiving openings are oriented in the same direction when the adjacent utensil holders are releasably secured to one another.
 14. The modular utensil holder set as claimed in claim 1, said utensil holders being configured so that the connectors of the adjacent utensil holders directly interengage one another, without any additional interconnection structure being therebetween, when the adjacent utensil holders are releasably secured to one another.
 15. A modular utensil holder operable to hold a utensil and be removably connected to one or more other modular utensil holders, said modular utensil holder comprising: a case including wall structure that presents an elongated utensil-receiving opening; a utensil-retaining assembly being confined by the wall structure within the utensil-receiving opening to engage the utensil when the utensil is received in the opening; and a plurality of case connectors fixed relative to the wall structure and configured to removably connect with the case connector of another modular utensil holder and thereby releasably secure the utensil holders to one another, said connectors including a projection and a complemental groove, with the groove being configured to receive the projection of said another modular utensil holder when the utensil holders are releasably secured to one another.
 16. The modular utensil holder as claimed in claim 15, said projection being necked to present an enlarged distal end margin, said groove presenting a constricted throat.
 17. The modular utensil holder as claimed in claim 16, said wall structure being generally upright such that the utensil receiving opening extends in a generally vertical direction, said projection and groove extending along the vertical direction.
 18. The modular utensil holder as claimed in claim 15, said projection and said groove of the modular utensil holder presenting respective projection and groove faces, said groove face of the modular utensil holder configured to oppose the projection face of the another modular utensil holder when the utensil holders are releasably secured to one another, at least one of said faces presenting a concave cross-sectional shape.
 19. The modular utensil holder as claimed in claim 15, said projection and groove being integrally formed as part of the wall structure.
 20. The modular utensil holder as claimed in claim 15, said wall structure having a generally polygonal cross-sectional shape so as to present a plurality of wall sections, each of said wall sections being associated with at least one of the connectors.
 21. The modular utensil holder as claimed in claim 20, said wall structure presenting an odd number of wall sections, said connectors being provided in an alternating arrangement such that each pair of adjacent wall segments are associated with one of the projections and one of the grooves.
 22. The modular utensil holder as claimed in claim 21, said wall structure being equilateral. 